Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Crease and Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face issues of creases when folded due to large curvature and gaps when folded with small curvature, affecting portability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure that forms a water-drop or dumbbell shape in the folding region, utilizing a detent structure instead of a cam structure, with elastic members and coupling members that compress or decompress to manage curvature and contact between housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flat plate structure is used for the electronic device, then the device can be simple in structure, but the device cannot be folded or flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is divided into multiple sections (first electronic section and second electronic section) that can be folded relative to each other. The flat plate is segmented into foldable portions connected by hinge structures, allowing the device to transition between unfolded and folded states while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure enables dynamic folding and unfolding of the electronic device. The first and second electronic sections can rotate relative to each other around the hinge axis, transforming the device from a rigid flat plate to a flexible folded configuration and back, adapting to different usage scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device is folded, then adaptability is improved, but the hinge structure requires high reliability to prevent breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second support plates are merged with the first and second active matrix substrates respectively, forming integrated structures. The hinge connection integrates the support plates, active matrix substrates, and pixel electrodes into a unified foldable assembly, distributing stress across multiple components and improving overall hinge reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure acts as an intermediary connection between the first and second electronic sections. It includes hinge electrodes that serve as mediators for both mechanical connection and electrical signal transmission, ensuring reliable operation during folding and unfolding movements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transparent conductive oxide films are used for pixel electrodes, then the device can be flexible, but the electrodes have high resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode uses a composite structure combining transparent conductive oxide film (such as ITO) with a reflective metal film (such as aluminum). This composite material approach maintains the transparency and flexibility benefits of the oxide film while adding the low electrical resistance property of the metal film, solving the high resistance issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective metal film in the pixel electrode serves multiple functions: it provides electrical conductivity to overcome the high resistance of the transparent conductive oxide, enhances light reflection for display performance, and maintains flexibility. This multi-functional layer improves both electrode performance and overall device adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces creases in the folding region, improves aesthetics by ensuring close contact between housings, and simplifies the hinge structure design while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member disposed between the first coupling member and the first arm member such that opposite ends of the first elastic member are supported by the first coupling member and the first arm member
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a display that extends from the first housing to the second housing, and a hinge structure that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing. The hinge structure includes a fixed member, a first rotary member coupled to one side of the fixed member so as to be rotatable about a first axis, a second rotary member coupled to an opposite side of the fixed member so as to be rotatable about a second axis, a first arm member coupled to the one side of the fixed member so as to be rotatable about a third axis, the third axis and the first axis being spaced apart from each other in parallel, a second arm member coupled to the opposite side of the fixed member so as to be rotatable about a fourth axis, the fourth axis and the second axis being spaced apart from each other in parallel, a first coupling member including one portion coupled to the first housing and another portion coupled to the first arm member so as to be linearly movable, a second coupling member including one portion coupled to the second housing and another portion coupled to the second arm member so as to slide, a first elastic member disposed between the first coupling member and the first arm member such that opposite ends of the first elastic member are supported by the first coupling member and the first arm member, and a second elastic member disposed between the second coupling member and the second arm member such that opposite ends of the second elastic member are supported by the second coupling member and the second arm member. In folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device, the first coupling member and the second coupling member perform a linear reciprocating motion relative to the first arm member and the second arm member, respectively. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are compressed or uncompressed based on the linear reciprocating motion of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. Besides, it may be permissible to prepare various other embodiments speculated through the specification.